ICARE
Secretary of the VA Eric K. Shinseki
VA Core Values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, Excellence (“I CARE”)
VA Core Characteristics: Trustworthy, Accessible, Quality, Innovative, Agile, and Integrated
Core Values describe an organization’s culture and character, and serve as the foundation for the way individuals interact with each other, as well as with people outside the organization. Most successful organizations have core values which form the foundation on which everything else is built. Values also serve as a common bond between employees. Our unique VA Core Values and Characteristics underscore our moral obligation to Veterans, their families, and other beneficiaries.
While our Core Values define “who we are,” our Characteristics define “what we stand for,” and what we strive to be as an organization. Our Characteristics are inspirational goals that we want everyone – VA employees, Veterans, and the American people – to associate with our Department and with our workforce.
The process used to develop these Core Values and Characteristics was collaborative and inclusive involving participants from VA’s Central Office and all three of our Administrations, and comprehensive – taking nearly two years. Participants from many different VA organizations provided invaluable input into the process. Based on this input and the recommendations of a variety of panels, work groups, and VA Senior Leaders, I have approved VA’s Core Values and Characteristics as they are depicted above.
Throughout our history, VA’s dedicated and professional workforce has always demonstrated a strong commitment to Veterans and exhibited many worthy values aimed at providing best-possible services, care, and support to Veterans. Over the last two-and-a-half years, I have seen those values magnificently at work all across the country at VA facilities, demonstrating the passion and excellence of the work you do. Until today, there has not been one overarching set of Core Values and Characteristics that applied to all VA employees. These are more than just words. They represent our promise to do our best every day to perform our crucial mission of caring for Veterans, family members, and other beneficiaries. I ask for your enthusiastic support in instilling the results of this work into VA’s culture. Let us challenge each other to embrace these Values and Characteristics and look for ways to exemplify them each day.
Thank you all for your great work in helping this values-based Department uphold our sacred trust and moral obligation to care for those “who have borne the battle.”
Eric K. Shinseki
